Effect of isomerization on the physical and tribological properties of oleic acid

Authors: Biresaw, Girma; Ngo, Helen; Dunn, Robert; Bantchev, Grigor; Harry O Kuru, Rogers

Submitted to: Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/4/2018
Publication Date: 5/19/2019
Citation: Biresaw, G., Lew, H.N., Dunn, R.O., Bantchev, G.B., Harry O Kuru, R.E. 2019. Effect of isomerization on the physical and tribological properties of oleic acid [abstract]. Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Annual Meeting & Exhibition, May 19-23, 2019, Nashville, TN.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Isomerization is widely applied in several industries to extend the application range of products and/or to formulate new lines of products. Examples of industries that routinely apply isomerization in their product development include: lubricants, fuels, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food. Recently, a USDA patented procedure was used to isomerize oleic acid into iso-oleic acid. The two fatty acids are similar in the total number of carbons and double bonds in their structure. However, the iso-oleic acid has a methyl substituted double bond randomly located along its chain. The effect of isomerization on the physical and tribological properties of these two fatty acids were investigated. The results of this investigation will be discussed in this paper.